I'd like to thank all seven people who reviewed last chapter, you know who you are.
Star Wars and nearly every kid movie belongs to Disney, I certainly don't bear the name Disney.
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Leia involuntarily shivered as she entered the star destroyer. The walls were white and bare, in stark contrast to the darkly dressed Imperial officers and the black floor. She could feel Lord Vader standing besides her, his cold hand resting on her shoulder as he guided her through the chaos that was the ship. Stormtroopers and officers rushed everywhere, with mouse droids, running messages, darting through their feet. They stilled and saluted when Lord Vader passed, before returning to their task with greater urgency than before.
Fear clouded the ship and it caused little bumps to surface on her arms. Nearly every person was deathly afraid or they were eager, eager for the death of others. Caden, who was usually calm and strong, was filled with the thirst to fight and destroy the rebels. Through the Force she could feel all those urges, threatening to overcome her. Vainly, she tried to raise mental shields, but there was simply too much.
Then there was Lord Vader. His presence was always dark and filled even those without the Force with fear on a regular basis. Yet, it was more violent this time. No longer could she feel the tendrils of strange emotions, that she had come to identify as remorse and grief, there was pure undiluted thirst for power. Part of it was anger, but mostly was the urge to dominate. It scared her and his feelings swept through their strange bond, threatening to engulf her.
They rounded another turn and Leia could now see the bridge. Coruscant shone before them darkly, it's lights bright and angry. Tiny spots flickered against the illuminated background, but never could there be a spot of darkness on the planet that never slept. Space around it seemed darker and more intimidating than usual as a result. The promise of death and destruction seemed to ring from it.
The cold hard hand on her shoulder was released and Vader strode forward, leaving her in the middle of the bridge, surrounded by open space on all sides. She wanted to run or hide, but there was nowhere to go. Her body cried out in fear as she looked around to see various Imperials watching her. There was no safety and nowhere to hide. Her back was unprotected, and she feared the unknown predator, even as her mind replied with platitudes of safety.
Vader stopped in front of viewport, his armor blending into space.
"Put in the coordinates.'
Leia remained silent as the ship lurched into hyperspace and Coruscant disappeared from view, replaced by the dizzying lights of hyperspace. She watched Vader as he stood still and she could feel the rising darkness.
Swiftly, he turned around and walked back to her. Leia let herself be guided away by the hard hand through the hallways again.
They stopped in front of a nondescript doorway, and Vader palmed the door. It slid open to reveal plain quarters. The only noticeable furnishing was the small droid.
"You'll be staying here for the duration of your visit. There is a com by the door with several numbers programmed in, including my personal com. If you're hungry you can ask for a meal to be brought to you. I trust that you won't misuse that privilege?"
Hearing the question, "Of course not my Lord."
Lord Vader continued approvingly, "Good. I've taken the liberty of arranging a teacher droid to substitute traditional schooling. Com me if anything comes up."
"Thank you my Lord," Leia whispered,
"Until later then," he replied and the door closed, leaving her alone.
She walked over to the small cot and sat down, tucking her legs closer, to stave off the cold. It was cold everywhere and it seemed to seep through every single crack. It reminded her of the first time she met Lord Vader and his cold presence, now it was amplified. The feeling of coldness and despair washing over her was so great. She could feel his anger and thirst for blood. Before she had felt relatively safe, she had known where the lines were. Now, everything was blurred, she didn't know what he would do anymore.
Reluctantly, she focused on the droid and turned it on. There was an opportunity before her, an opportunity that her father would certainly object to. Sometimes she hated being a princess, a lady, or any other feminine term which meant she was supposed to be delicate. It was degrading.
The droid whirred on and straightened before looking around the room.
It introduced itself, "Hello Miss Leia, I am T-28M6, I have been programmed with all the latest techniques in the teaching of children. I hope that our time together may be prosperous. What would the little miss like to do first?"
Leia rolled her eyes slightly, hopefully it wouldn't be as annoying as Threepio, "Call me Leia. Can we do engineering?"
The droid remained still for a moment, "But ma'am we have to do things in order. We must progress through the basics before we can do more complicated things."
"But I have learned a bunch of stuff before hand," she whined.
"Do you wish to take a benchmark test?"
"Yes!" she exclaimed, there was no way that she was going to endure having to go over all the basics again.
"Beginning the test… When did Emperor Palpatine sign the Union of the Fifty-Seven?"
"The Union of the Fifty-Seven, what is that?" she exclaimed in bewilderment.
"According to the teacher mandates followed by any Empire's schools, all students must in their initial year cover the basics of mathematics, how to write, and have an understanding of the greatness of the Empire."
Leia blinked, "So…"
"As you've shown yourself to not be knowledgeable in the basic subjects, we will begin at the beginning."
"But you haven't tested my skills in other areas!"
"Ma'am, if you don't know basic history taught in the first year of schooling, why should you know subjects taught later?"
Leia growled at the stupid droid, "Because I've not been taught in the Empire's school. I had tutors arranged by my father."
"I do not understand. Mandate 8790 states that all children must have schooling."
"And so I did, but not through the Empire. My knowledge is in accordance with Alderaan's education system."
"Alderaan is part of the Empire, it should adhere to the Empire's guidelines."
Giving in the urge to smash the droid to pieces was very tempting, "Yes, but Alderaan is," she broke off realizing how fruitless reasoning with the droid was, "Forgive me, I am after all an unknowledgeable youngling and have much to learn. I have a couple datapads over there, with stuff I've written, would you review them for me?"
The droid paused and looked at her smiling face, "Of course I can, it is a good thing you've seen reason."
The droid turned around, in search of the nonexistent data pads. Leia let out a small sigh of relief and nimbly darted forward, hitting the off switch. The thing was a menace, teaching Empire propaganda and being stupider than the garbage disposal. A small sly smile adorned her face as she had an idea.
It took a while and she was constantly distracted by the foreign presence lusting for blood, but at last she finished. Hesitantly she turned it on.
The droid whirred on again, while Leia held her breath, before focusing on her again.
"Hello Mistress."
Her plan had failed.
"I'm at your disposal. Do you wish to commence lessons in engineering, grade D4?"
Perhaps she had spoken too soon, "Yes please."
And then it worked. At last she could learn what she wanted, not history filled with propaganda or the grammar rules. The mumbling droid almost let her forget about the dark presence, which was constantly growing in strength, threatening to overpower her.
The door hissed open and the darkness slammed into her as tried to focus on the droid. Despite her efforts she could still feel her body recoiling.
"I'm leaving soon," he said.
Disgust filled her at his comment. He was going to put down a rebellion and not through talks. The Empire never negotiated, they slaughtered first then asked questions. The worst part was that Lord Vader was eager and she had a feeling that someone would die before he even left the ship.
"Yes Lord Vader," she replied, understanding what it entailed.
"If you need anything comm the bridge."
That was unexpected, "What about Caden?"
The respirator hissed through the air, "He's going into battle with me."
It worried her that Caden might not return and that he'd be there killing civilians and slaughtering innocents to make a point. He was eager for a fight though and it would never change; he was bred for the fight.
"He'll be fine Leia."
She nodded and bowed her head, hopefully with Lord Vader planetside, his feelings would no longer seep into her mind.
"Well, see you later my Lord."
Confusion came from him, "Is everything alright Leia?"
Things weren't alright, hundreds of people were going to die and be tortured. He was going to be the enforcer and he was as awful as her father said. She was under no illusion and the monster before him was so different from the man who she had come to know.
Since she couldn't say what she felt, she opted to say, "Nothing is wrong Lord Vader."
He didn't believe her and she knew it, but she was a coward who likes to be alive and wasn't going to proclaim her sympathy for the rebels.
"Okay Leia, remember you can come the bridge if you need anything. Have fun."
There wasn't going to be any enjoyment for her while people were massacred, but Lord Vader would revel in it.
"I'm sure you will," she muttered, he'd be having a blast.
The door slid shut, leaving Leia once again in the confines of her prison. Her eyes wandered back to the droid, but she was unable to concentrate as the darkness became impossibly strong. A small cry echoed through the Force and then suddenly stopped. Lord Vader had taken his first victim, a crew member. Her lips curled in disgust at the thought of the cyborg, who seemed to destroy everything. It made her wonder for her own safety, which she had felt reasonably sure of, but in Lord Vader's current mood, he'd kill anyone.
The darkness was moving farther away, but it was getting stronger. Then the Force cried, hundreds of voices crying out in agony causing Leia to curl up, in a desperate attempt to avert the pain. She tried to shield herself, to cut herself completely from it, but there was one part she couldn't exclude. The mysterious connection to Lord Vader was stronger than ever and she could feel his thirst and see what he saw.
The landscape of hilly terrain stretched out before her, tinted in a bloody shade. As she watched tears began to stream down her face, unable to bear the sight and doing nothing. The pain weakened her shielding, and as her shield dropped the greater the pain, until there was no shield. Her body curled up in a tighter ball as she tried to endure the agony. Vaguely she was aware of someone besides her and moving. It didn't matter though, her sight was filled with atrocities. She could hear the victims crying out in despair, a young girl crying in despair, and someone filled with grief, but a sense of purpose.
Run, run…
Save yourself….
Tears ran down her face, they were all dying, even the children.
No…
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Darth Vader stormed towards the bridge, certain that the prisoners would be processed, but intent on killing the responsible officer. He had been disobeyed, the Jedi escaped.
"You failed your only job," he noted.
The captain, moving to interfere, found himself having the life choked out of him.
"The failure is your responsibility," he uttered the damning phrase, and let the captain fall to the ground, dead.
"My lord," a foolish officer interrupted.
If he didn't have anything important, he'd soon be dead, "Yes?"
"During the battle, a Leia Organa in our custody was escorted to the med bay, we've administered sedatives, but she isn't calming down."
The anger receded, "Thank you Captain. I'll see to it personally."
Shock resounded through the bridge at the unexpected promotion and Vader took a second to glance at the officer's uniform. The man had just a lowly stripe for the med bay.
"I hope you don't abuse your position," he warned before leaving, Leia needed his attention.
He strode forward swiftly and tried to feel her through the Force. His search was met with pain and grief, emotions that the dark side fed off. His eyes widened and he felt along the strange bond between them, his emotions were storming through her mind, overwhelming her. Quickly he put up his own mental shield and rushed into the med bay, where a droid was preparing to give Leia another dose.
"Leave," he ordered and watched the personnel leave.
The droid turned off, leaving Vader alone in a room with a trembling girl. His fingers brushed her hair, but he received no reaction except the constant trembling. Guilt flooded him as he stared at her. In no way did he feel remorse for the rebels, but he felt upset that Leia had to suffer.
She shivered before him and he did something that he hadn't done in ages. He called upon the light side.
The light side responded to his touch eagerly, like a long lost friend. It came forward and engulfed him, caressing his sores. Despite the friendly nature, he recoiled. The dark side whispered its continuous promises, while the light whispered sadly. It mourned for all those he killed and tortured. He stiffened, angry at the reminders. The light side hadn't saved Padmé, it hadn't saved anyone.
Closing his eyes he pushed back his dark thoughts and focused on the scorching light. It burned his mind, but he persevered. The chaos of Leia's mind calmed as he reached out with the light.
Father…
The stray thought reached his mind and he withdrew slightly in shock. It felt so right to be called a father and made him mourn once again for his child. The child would have been an excellent pilot, capable of the most daring deeds. He would've been strong in the Force and trained by his side. Together they'd have ruled over the Empire. And Padmé, she'd have been there laughing along with the rest of the family.
Don't be sad.
He opened his eyes and focused on Leia again, her breathing calmed down to a normal rate. It still astounded him that it was so easy to reach her with the Force. She had a natural aptitude for shielding her mind and had a mental discipline that he lacked at her age. When they were together, they threw each other off. They said things that they wouldn't usually say.
He wondered once again whether he should take her as an apprentice, to fake her death and keep her at his side indefinitely. With her aid, he'd destroy his Master and partially achieve his dream. It was so tempting, so tantalizing.
He looked at her angelic face, so like Padmé, and thought again. He'd condemn a child to his life, to the rule of two. Perhaps he'd take control of the situation, but she'd be hated like him. His child would've been raised for the task, yet if he thought about it, he didn't want his child to be raised as a Sith.
Hands clenched together, as his thoughts wandered back to Kenobi. The man who had been like a father and in the end betrayed him. If only Obi-Wan had joined him, had seen the necessity of his actions. Together they would've overthrown Sidious and brought true peace to the galaxy. His wife would've been the public face, for all to love. Obi-Wan, the negotiator to keep peace. He, the enforcer. Alas, there was no point contemplating anything that could have been, it changed nothing about his situation. Padmé was dead with his child, Kenobi betrayed him, and he was stuck in a suit that kept him from achieving his full potential.
"Goodnight Leia," he whispered, "Remain safe."
He stood up and walked out of the door, where the dismissed officers stood waiting.
"Keep an eye on her and inform me if the situation changes."
"Yes my Lord."
"Good," he rumbled and left, his suit needed repairs.
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Leia released her breath as the storm of hatred abated and was replaced by a soothing feeling of safety. It felt good… it felt like home. She smiled as she imagined her father there, soothing her from a nightmare.
There was a beard tickling and beautiful woman, who she instinctively knew to be her mother. Her only concern was where her father was.
"Father… where are you?" she cried out.
An urge caused her to look around, he was close, so close.
As her gaze turned around she lost sight of her mother, the crying child, and the ticklish beard.
"Father," she cried out again, "Show yourself."
He was nearby, so close, so close.
Someone was crying… "Father!"
She knew it was him, but she couldn't reach him.
She wondered why he was sad, so sad. It was like his mind was crying.
As she wondered, she looked around and saw a desolate landscape, an abandoned city.
Speeders were sunk in the floor and a variety of pests scurried around, the only sign of life. Staring at the smoldering ruins, of what was once a vibrant life she wondered if this was why her father was sad.
Her feet carried her forward through the narrow alleys, as buildings creaked over her head. Dust coated the ground and she left a neat trail of footprints as she walked. The windows still filled with ornamental figures and carvings, now leaned forward oppressively, an evil spirit replacing their former festivity. A couple creatures, screeching ran between her legs, their sharp claws drawing blood. Scared, she leapt to the side as a womp-rat hurtled past. Curious, despite the shock, she hurried afterwards.
As she rounded the last corner, she faced a small little door, darker than any other. In front of the door played a little boy, chains enwrapping him. Behind the young boy, lay two coffins surrounded by womp-rat skulls.
"Who are you?" she whispered.
"I don't know, I've been called many things, but all I remain is a slave," he looked at her coldly, "What are you doing here?"
She stepped back, shocked at his cold demeanor, "I… I was looking for my father. I know he's here."
The boy laughed, one eye yellow, the other a cold blue, "Nothing enters here without dying. The scavengers feast on the dead, and their own feast on them."
She swallowed nervously, "Why?"
He cocked his head to the side, "Because that's what happens when they come near me. They die or go mad."
"Why don't you leave?"
He raised his arm, the chains clanking behind him, "I killed two angels, and in their death they keep me tethered here."
"That doesn't seem like something an angel would do, they're good and kind."
A tear slipped down his face, "I didn't mean to kill them, but that's my punishment. I must remain here."
"Don't be sad… I can help you get free and you can leave and live."
He looked at her again in wonder, causing her to feel uncomfortable, "You're an angel too aren't you?"
"No, I'm just Leia."
He shook his head, worry present in his eyes, "I don't want you to die, I don't want to kill another angel. Go… I'm beyond hope."
Leia walked closer to the boy, noting with sadness how he curled away from her touch, "At least tell me your name, so I can help you."
"There's nothing you can do, it's a dream."
"Tell me your name."
"The first angel was named Shmi… No... Don't join the dead… leave… leave me alone… please," his voice became panicky, "GO!"
She stumbled back and the scene whirled out of focus.
Leia opened her eyes slowly, staring at the droid hovering around her in confusion. She tried to open her mouth to ask what had happened this time, but found it wooly and unresponsive. A young man walked up to her and waved to another, who brought her a cup of water, gently tilting it into her mouth. She coughed slightly as greedily drank from it.
Trying again, she rasped out, "What happened?"
The man shrugged slightly, "An officer checked your room and found you having some sort of seizure, you're quite lucky that Lord Vader managed to calm you down. The sedatives we gave you seemed to make your situation worse."
Leia nodded in understanding as she ignored the shivers that ran down her spine when she thought of Lord Vader. He was a killing machine, like her father said. Nothing seemed to survive his wrath and yet…
She was alive and apparently Lord Vader had helped her.
The door slid open, and the man in question stood in the doorway. The officers quickly saluted and left the room, while the droids turned off, no longer needed. She studied him slightly, noticing the distinct lack of cold air. He in turn seemed to be enraptured by her.
Suddenly feeling awkward she looked away, only to look back in confusion as she saw her reflection in his armor. The image hadn't lasted long, just a few seconds, but it burned into her mind, the image of a young boy with dual colored eyes watching her.
Oblivious, "Are you okay Leia?"
Leia looked down at the white cover, draped over body, "Why isn't it cold?"
He walked closer to her and kneeled down, "I'm very sorry Leia for what you had to endure, I didn't realize that you would be so deeply affected."
She looked at his mask, searching for the truth. The deaths of hundreds, maybe even thousands on the planet didn't bother him, but her suffering didn't make sense.
"Why…"
Almost gently, Vader leaned forward, "Why what Leia?"
"Why do you care?"
He was silent for a minute and she began to fidget as she wondered what he was contemplating.
Slowly he spoke, as if picking his words with care, "I once knew a man, who was rather a big idiot, but he cared for his love ones. Before I came along his mother had already died and he was desperate to save his wife and unborn child. I was to protect them and ultimately I failed."
Somehow the story was important, "Who was the man?"
Lord Vader practically spat the name, "Anakin."
She remained silent for a while, before curiosity won her over, "What happened to him?"
His eyes behind the mask bore into her, "I killed him."
"Why?"
"He was a Jedi and a weakling."
"What does that have to do with me?"
The respirator hissed through the air for another long pause, "You remind me of what has been lost."
Realization dawned on Leia, "You feel guilty for them. You were close weren't you and you hope to honor them by working for the Empire."
"You know nothing," Vader thundered, "Don't you presume anything about me."
The cloak swished around his heels as he stormed over to the door, where he physically calmed himself. She waited, her breath abated as he stood there, his head bent. Lord Vader was still affected by the mysterious Anakin and his wife. She had found something intriguing, but forbidden, the key, one of many, to unlock Lord Vader's secrets.
He turned around, "I'm… sorry. It has been a long time since I've thought about them."
The lie rang in her ears, but she nodded in acceptance, he wasn't going to explain.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes," she whispered back, far from it.
"Leia… don't lie. I give you permission to say whatever you like and not fear repercussions."
There were so many things wrong, but instead of listing those something else came out of her mouth, "I miss Alderaan. It's been so long since I've seen Mommy or had time with Daddy. I want to go home."
"That's… unfortunate. Perhaps we can arrange a call."
Then he left.
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Vader kneeled in front of the glowing image of his Master, "We have crushed the rebellion Master."
"What of the rumor of the Jedi?"
"Unfortunately the ship's crew didn't get a lock on the Jedi's snub fighter. General Kota escaped. I have terminated his Jedi accomplice and captured the girl they were presumably after."
"The girl?"
"A potential. She has the instincts and is only average in power. She is no threat to us."
His Master remained silent for a while, "Begin her training. I imagine she'll be of great use."
"Yes Master," he intoned, his head bowed.
"What of the Princess?"
"She suffers from homesickness. I do not believe that she is old enough to accompany us into hostile situations."
"But she knows of the might of the Empire?"
She certainly did, and not in the way his Master wanted, "Yes Master."
"Then continue to bring her, there are other systems rising in rebellion. I want this taken care of."
His mouth dried as he pondered how to best approach the subject, "The Princess knows of the might of the Empire, but not how it benefits. She's young and impressionable; I fear that the current method will push her away from us. We've shown her no reason why she should love the Empire."
He waited quietly, hoping his Master wouldn't be angry, "I see Lord Vader… Perhaps it is time to show her the mercies of the Empire. It will have to wait though until the rebellion is crushed. Deal with her as you see fit while you deal with the rebellious systems. Afterwards, bring her to Coruscant and we can show her the triumph of the Empire over the disastrous Republic. Fear will curb her and reason will enrapture her… Go Lord Vader… I expect progress."
"Yes Master."
The transmission ended, leaving him to wonder what he should. Slowly he straightened, his limbs creaking under the strain. Once again he'd have to replace his limbs...
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This is indeed a shorter chapter than my 6,000 word masterpiece from last week. Blame the Force Awakens, can't seem to go anywhere without it haunting me and trying to kill my muse. Please review, I'm saying please, it makes my day when you do so.
The thing that made my day yesterday:
Aggressive driving is the path to the dark side.